Some things don’t need to be improved on. These products have been, and still are, so effective that they have not been changed since they were launched.
Some things don’t need to be improved on. These products have been, and still are, so effective that they have not been changed since they were launched.
It’s not a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. It’s more a case of these products arriving at their ideal formula with their very first iteration.
One reason for an unchanged formula: It’s still relevant. Women then and now have found that Albion’s Skin Conditioner and Sisley’s Ecological Compound work on multiple concerns, such as dryness, dullness and irritation.
Brands like Bio-Oil and Clarins say they’ve not found new ingredients or scientific innovations that can better the original Bio-Oil and Tonic Body Treatment Oil, which both target stretch marks and loss of skin elasticity. It’s the same for SKII’s Facial Treatment Essence. Pamela Camargo, SK-II’s Asean communications manager, says that more than 90 per cent of the essence is Pitera – the yeastderived ingredient the brand is built on. “This makes the Essence the purest and most direct delivery of this ingredient,” she explains.
Some products have also become more aligned with women’s needs over time. Yeo Yin Hong, product manager for Kiehl’s, says of its Calendula Herbal-extract Toner: “With global warming and increased air pollution, external stress from harsh weather, pollution and UV rays can redden and irritate skin. Being alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and using the anti-inflammatory calendula herb, this toner decreases the likelihood of skin irritation and has been proven to soothe and hydrate.”
Dr Hauschka’s Cleansing Cream, too, is suited to modern concerns about wellness and clean living. Made only with ingredients derived from organic or biodynamically grown plants, it’s staked out a reputation for cleansing, balancing and refreshing without using synthetic chemicals.
Launched :
1965
Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil, $90
Composed of 100 per cent pure plant oils such as rosemary, geranium and mint, this firming anti-stretch mark oil has a proven track record and is suitable for pregnant women.
1974
1980
1960s
1967
1980
1987
Its light, non-greasy formula gets absorbed into skin without leaving an uncomfortable film, putting it ahead of the curve among body oils.
